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Source: http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/rss

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Seychelles News Agency</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/</link>
<description>Real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Seychelles news.</description>
<language>en</language>
<item>
<title>Seychelles signs visa waiver agreement with Lebanon</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21570/Seychelles+signs+visa+waiver+agreement+with+Lebanon</link>
<guid>21570</guid>
<category>Diplomacy</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:40:08 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21570.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Seychelles and Lebanon have enhanced their bilateral cooperation and existing friendly relations with the signing of an agreement for visa waiver last week.
According to the Foreign Affairs Department, "Under the Agreement, all passport holders from the two countries will enjoy exemption from visa requirements. This measure seeks to facilitate the movement of citizens between Seychelles and Lebanon."
The signing ceremony took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations, Hadi Hachem.
Meanwhile, no visa is required to enter Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean but before departure, all visitors must apply for a travel authorisation through the Seychelles Electronic Border System platform.
Seychelles' passport remains the most powerful on the African continent for a consecutive year while moving three steps up in a global ranking published by Henley and Partners for the first quarter of 2024.
The Henley Passport Index ranks Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, as 26th worldwide for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 29th in 2023 for the ability of the country's passport holders to visit 153 countries visa-free.
 ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Seychelles National Archives building to be built at cost of $730,000</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21569/New+Seychelles+National+Archives+building+to+be+built+at+cost+of%2C</link>
<guid>21569</guid>
<category>General</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:30:11 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21569.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[The Seychelles' government has already earmarked SCR 10 million ($730,000) for the construction of the new National Archives building at Union Vale in the central Mahe district of English River.
The secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute of Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA), David Andre, revealed the plans after a visit held at the proposed construction site on Thursday morning.
The Archives personnel together with other high SNICHA officials viewed where the new two-storey building would be constructed. 
One of the main services that the Seychelles National Archives offer to locals is genealogy research, where people can trace their ancestry through several generations.
"This new building will provide an opportunity to offer new services and also cater for current services, but in line with the mandate and functions of an archive," explained SNICHA's permanent secretary, Cecile Kalebi.
At the moment, the Archives' offices are spread between Ile Du Port, a man-made island close to the capital Victoria and, and Providence, in the east of Mahe, the main island. The construction of the new building will allow the institution to have all its services under one roof.
Kalebi explained that they are planning for the building to be a modern one while keeping some aspects of traditional designs in its interior decor. For the time being, the provisional plans will be sent for the Planning Authority's approval.
"It is only once we have completed the first process that the project to build the new Archives will be under way," said Andre.
He added that while the money for the project has already been set aside and the exact time frame for its implementation and completion will depend on the technicians involved.
The Seychelles National Archives first appeared with the Instrument of Capitulation of Seychelles, signed on May 17, 1794, between the British Captain Henry Newcome of HMS Orpheus and the French Commandant Chevalier Quéau de Quincy.
The colonial administrative records of the island began with this historical document, laying the groundwork for the future creation of the Seychelles National Archives.
However, with the passage of Seychelles National Archives Ordinance No. 27 of November 7, 1964, the present Seychelles National Archives began to take shape in the 1960s. The Archives were not immediately active despite the 1964 decree, and it took several more years before the institution was formally established.
Up to June 2022, the National Archives were housed in the same building as the National Library. However, due to a fungus outbreak, authorities had to move out of the building and are now in Helena Complex at Ile du Port and the data entry unit is at Providence. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Seychelles' President arrives in Ghana on official visit</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21568/Seychelles%27+President+arrives+in+Ghana+on+official+visit</link>
<guid>21568</guid>
<category>Diplomacy</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:39:41 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21568.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, received a warm reception upon landing at Accra's Kotoka International Airport for his inaugural official visit to Ghana, State House said on Wednesday. The visit coincides with the 100th Anniversary celebrations of King Prempeh I's return from exile in Seychelles, underscoring historical ties between the two nations. Ramkalawan and his delegation were welcomed by Ghana's Minister of State for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe. Joining the reception were Seychelles Ambassador to Ethiopia and Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, Conrad Mederic, alongside Ghana's newly appointed High Commissioner to Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, and other senior officials. The official ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, showcasing Ghana's rich heritage. During his visit, Ramkalawan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>'Eternal' Nadal leaves legacy as he retires from tennis</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21566/%27Eternal%27+Nadal+leaves+legacy+as+he+retires+from+tennis</link>
<guid>21566</guid>
<category>General</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:25:17 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21566.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Rafael Nadal said early Wednesday he had left a sporting and personal 'legacy' after retiring from professional tennis, as tributes flooded in for the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
The 38-year-old's glittering and historic career came to a close as Netherlands defeated Spain in the Davis Cup and Nadal gave an emotional speech that ran over 10 minutes long to more than 10,000 fans in Malaga.
After 23 years in the game and many struggles with injury, Nadal retires as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time.
"I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one," Nadal said at his retirement ceremony.
"I understand that the love I have received, if it was just for what happened on the court, would not be the same."
Nadal said he hoped people would remember him for more than just his record-breaking achievements on the court, including 14 French Open titles and a record 81-match unbeaten streak on the red dirt which made him the 'King of Clay'.
The Spaniard never smashed a racquet on court during his career and was adored for his positive attitude.
"The titles, the numbers are there, so people probably know that, but the way that I would like to be remembered more is like a good person, from a small village in Mallorca," continued Nadal.
"I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved (even) more than what I had dreamed."
Nadal was celebrated with a video montage on the many screens around the Martin Carpena arena in Malaga featuring many tennis greats.
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams among others left messages in the video, alongside former football stars including David Beckham, Raul and Andres Iniesta, who retired from playing in October.
"Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy that you brought, the power, is something that will be studied and transferred to many generations coming up," said Djokovic, who has the record of 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles and is the last of the 'big three' still playing.
"Congratulations on the most incredible career, it was such a privilege to play with you but also against you," said Federer, Nadal's greatest rival, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams.
- 'Eternal' -
Nadal's last match was a 6-4, 6-4 defeat by Botic van de Zandschulp in the first singles rubber of Tuesday's Davis Cup quarter-final, and although Carlos Alcaraz forced a doubles decider Spain were eventually defeated to bring the curtain down on his career.
"I'm not tired of playing tennis, it's just that my body has reached a moment where it doesn't want to play any more, so I have to accept the situation," said Nadal.
The Spaniard welled up during the Spanish national anthem at the start of the match and admitted it was "an emotional day".
World number three Alcaraz, 21, is one of the game's brightest talents and a player some hope can become Nadal's heir.
"His legacy is going to be eternal," Alcaraz told reporters.
"He has been great for tennis, for the sport in general, it is difficult -- at least for me -- to feel that I should continue the legacy that he has left.
"It is difficult, almost impossible, I will just try to do my best, right now it's time to say great things about Rafa...
"It is just great to have had Rafa in tennis, in Spain and in my life."
Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer also paid tribute to Nadal.
"There are people who will be remembered for their achievements in life, others until the end of their days, and others eternally," said Ferrer.
"You will be remembered eternally."
Nadal thanked fans in Spain in his speech but also around the rest of the world where he found many admirers.
In Paris, where he won a record 14 French Open titles and earned the nickname the 'King of Clay', his image was projected onto the night sky in front of the Eiffel Tower.
"I am crying as we speak... Rafael Nadal... What an absolute icon of sport period! There will never be another one like Rafa!" wrote former world number one Boris Becker on social media platform X.
</item>
<item>
<title>‘Rare joy' as war-hit Sudan reaches African football showpiece</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21565/Rare+joy%27+as+war-hit+Sudan+reaches+African+football+showpiece</link>
<guid>21565</guid>
<category>Africa</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:13:45 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21565.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Football fans in Sudan, a country torn apart by war, are savouring a rare moment of pride after the national team qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The feat, achieved at the expense of Ghana, one of the continent's traditional powerhouses, comes despite the team having to play all their matches abroad and the domestic league being suspended.
Streets of Port Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of displaced endure agonising waits for water and healthcare, came alive after the match, with car horns blaring and ecstatic fans waving Sudanese flags from the windows.
The match marked Sudan's 10th qualification for the continental tournament, offering a rare moment of happiness to a nation devastated by 19 months of war.
"Our joy after the game... could not truly reflect the emotions in our hearts," one jubilant fan, Hassan Mohamed, told AFP.
In Port Sudan, the country's de facto capital since last year, fans gathered in cafes Monday to watch the final group stage match against Angola, played in Benghazi, Libya.
Others followed the action on mobile phones, holding their breath in the final moments, an AFP correspondent reported.
Despite a goalless draw, Sudan secured the second qualifying spot for next year's AFCON finals from a group that, besides Angola and Ghana, also included Niger.
As the referee's whistle signalled the end of the game, chairs toppled over as fans jumped for joy.
Celebrations spilled into the streets of the Red Sea port city, where car horns echoed in triumph.
It was only the second time that Sudan, the champions in 1970, made it to the AFCON finals in the last seven editions.
- 'Impossible smile' -
Social media platforms lit up with images of the players, as Sudanese users hailed the team's qualification as a "rare joy in dark times".
"Their aim was to bring a smile back to the Sudanese people," Khalid Omer Yousif, vice-chairman of the Sudanese Congress Party, wrote on X.
Speaking to AFP by phone, sports journalist Nasr al-Din al-Fadalabi called the achievement "an impossible smile in a time of sorrow".
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 11 million have been displaced, including over three million who fled the country.
Inside Sudan, displaced people face compounding humanitarian crises and the threat of famine, even in areas spared direct fighting.
The war has devastated the country's infrastructure, crippled the health sector and shuttered most businesses.
Football has not escaped the turmoil.
- Politics on the pitch -
With the domestic league suspended, Sudanese football has taken a new path.
Home games were relocated to South Sudan and Libya, and the national team trained in Saudi Arabia.
Players have signed contracts abroad, including goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa in Tanzania.
Sudanese footballers in Libya benefit from local status, while others who played abroad are now in the national team.
Among them is Mohamed Eisa, a star forward who spent years in British leagues and now plays in Iran.
The war has also seeped into football.
In an October match against Ghana, team captain Ramadan Agab mimicked a victory gesture associated with army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, taunting his paramilitary rivals.
Burhan has praised the team in public statements and visits to the football federation.
For many Sudanese, this week's qualification was a moment of pride and unity.
"Despite the divisions among some and despite so many obstacles... they (the players) have overcome every challenge," said fan Akrama Ali Karamallah.
"I believe they will go even further, and as they say, nothing is impossible."
</item>
<item>
<title>First Sichuan Airlines flight lands in Seychelles with tourists and business people </title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21564/First+Sichuan+Airlines+flight+lands+in+Seychelles+with+tourists+and+business+people</link>
<guid>21564</guid>
<category>Business</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:09:20 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21564.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[The first direct charter flight of the Sichuan Airlines, linking Seychelles to Chengdu in China, arrived in the island nation on Tuesday.
The flight touched down at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue at 6.47 am carrying 264 passengers, together with a delegation of high officials from Chengdu led by the Deputy Mayor of the city. Also onboard was a group of Chinese businessmen who will be participating in the trade fair organised by the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA).
The trade fair will be held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel from Thursday, November 21 to Saturday 23.
Apart from the officials and the businessmen, there were also several tourists present on the flight.
The passengers were welcomed at the airport by the Minister for Tourism and Foreign Affairs, Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Devika Vidot, the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, Lin Nan, as well as the principal secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis.
In his welcoming address, Radegonde said that the last time Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, had a direct flight from China was almost six years ago.
Radegonde added that the new flight is the result of extensive negotiations and discussions and "it represents the culmination of our shared commitment to strengthening ties with China."
He told reporters that the flight from Chengdu was a chartered one and that they expect to have more from there in the future.
"We are having discussions at the moment regarding this flight route. If everything goes well and we get enough people, this might become a regular flight," he added.
Vidot talked about the participation of the 34 businessmen in the trade fair and described China as very developed country, especially in regards to innovation and technology.
She said that this event is meant to bring Seychellois entrepreneurs closer to Chinese suppliers as well as show these suppliers the business landscape in Seychelles.
"We are making it easier for them; we've removed the language and geographical barrier so they are able to ask questions and learn more about the processes, so they are able to do it themselves in the future," added Vidot. 
According to ESA, the exhibitors from China have shown a lot of interest in displaying agricultural equipment, however, there will be representatives of different sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and hoteliers, beekeeping as well as crafts.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Seychelles' Beau Vallon Promenade with 21 kiosks to be completed by May 2025</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21563/Seychelles%27+Beau+Vallon+Promenade+with++kiosks+to+be+completed+by+May+</link>
<guid>21563</guid>
<category>Business</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:51:09 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21563.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[The Beau Vallon Promenade project, which will see 21 artisanal kiosks installed alongside the popular Regatta site of the Beau Vallon beach, is expected to be completed by May 2025, if everything goes according to plan, said a top official on Wednesday.
The project, which began in February, will feature 35 kiosks with 10 of them being for food, four for beverages, and 21 for artisans.
"The construction works on the kiosks will be completed in February 2025, but there are still a few small works that will take place after that, to ensure everything is ready and operational by the first week of May," said the chief executive of Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), Lisa Lautoy, in an interview with the media. 
At the moment, only the kiosks for food and beverage vendors have been allocated. Those for artisans have been delayed as there is an issue with one of the businesses found within the area where the project is being done, which is refusing to move.
"For now, only 18 of the 21 artisanal kiosks have been constructed, because of the business that is refusing to move, and we are taking legal action against that business, where we are hoping everything will be sorted and the area can officially open in May," explained Lautoy.
One of the areas that the kiosks have been constructed on, is in fact an area which was used as a vehicle parking.
Lautoy explained that the Beau Vallon area has been sub-divided for various development projects, and among them will be parking, although the operators of these kiosks will be allowed to come in with their vehicles for loading.
The kiosks have been constructed from concrete but they feature some aesthetics that reflect the traditional buildings of Seychelles. They will all be painted green, to match with the surrounding trees.
The kiosks are being constructed by Laxmambhai, a local construction company, as a donation from the company. 
Other structures in the area, aside from the kiosks, will include public toilets, as well as toilets for the operators, while a lifeguard kiosk will also be constructed.
During the interview, Lautoy also mentioned that the rental fees for these kiosks start from SCR4,000 ($296) per month to SCR17,000 ($1,257). ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Seychelles and El Salvador establish diplomatic relations</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21562/Seychelles+and+El+Salvador+establish+diplomatic+relations</link>
<guid>21562</guid>
<category>Diplomacy</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:01:00 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21562.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Seychelles has established diplomatic relations with El Salvador as part of its engagement to promote bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of friendship, through the signing of a Joint Communiqué on November 12.
The Foreign Affairs Department said on Wednesday, that "based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for international law and cooperation, the establishment of diplomatic relations will promote exchanges in various fields of mutual interests for the benefit of the two countries."
The signing ceremony took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations, Ambassador Egriselda Aracely González López. ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Seychelles starts updating plan to target persistent organic pollutants </title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21556/Seychelles+starts+updating+plan+to+target+persistent+organic+pollutants</link>
<guid>21556</guid>
<category>Environment</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:35:00 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21556.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Seychelles has begun updating its National Implementation (NIP) Plan to effectively target Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and stay aligned with the Stockholm Convention.
A workshop was held at the Savoy Resort and Spa hotel on Tuesday to receive the input of not only government officials but also those from civil society, academia and the industry.
POPs are compounds that are difficult to destroy, keeping their chemical makeup over long periods that have been linked to a number of health problems in humans.
The Stockholm Convention, to which Seychelles is a signatory, calls for governments to take measures to reduce or eliminate the release of POPs into the environment.
In her address to officially open the workshop, the director of the Division for Waste, Enforcement and Permit Division, Nanette Laure, said that Seychelles signing the Stockholm Convention represents its collective commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment from the adverse effects of POPs.
She said that with the "Seychelles' unique biodiversity and reliance on marine and terrestrial resources, the effective management of such substances is not just an obligation but most importantly it is a necessity."
The participants reviewed the objectives and framework of the Stockholm Convention and its implications for Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.
The aim of updating the NIP is to take into account the latest scientific knowledge, technological advancements and most importantly newly listed POPs which in turn Laure said would ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing those polluants.
Participants also had the chance to identify challenges, opportunities and priority actions for the updated plan as well as assess progress and achievements made in the existing NIP.
Seychelles developed its first NIP in 2007 - where it identified 12 pesticidal POPs that should be eliminated. Local expert Cliff Gonzalves has been appointed as the National Lead Expert for updating the NIP.
Over the coming two years, he will be working with the local stakeholders to make an inventory of POPs in the country in an effort to make sure the data available is up to date.
The Department of Environment, which is leading the project, also revealed that there will be training sessions as part of the process.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the Africa Institute, is providing capacity-building support for updating the NIP.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title>Urban mosquito sparks malaria surge in East Africa</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21560/Urban+mosquito+sparks+malaria+surge+in+East+Africa</link>
<guid>21560</guid>
<category>Africa</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:00:51 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21560.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[The spread of a mosquito in East Africa that thrives in urban areas and is immune to insecticide is fuelling a surge in malaria that could reverse decades of progress against the disease, experts say.
Africa accounted for about 95 percent of the 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 deaths worldwide in 2022, according to the most recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which said children under five accounted for 80 percent of deaths in the region.
But the emergence of an invasive species of mosquito on the continent could massively increase those numbers.
Anopheles stephensi is native to parts of South Asia and the Middle East but was spotted for the first time in the tiny Horn of Africa state of Djibouti in 2012.
Djibouti had all but eradicated malaria only to see it make a slow but steady return over the following years, hitting more than 70,000 cases in 2020.
Then stephensi arrived in neighbouring Ethiopia and WHO says it is key to an "unprecedented surge", from 4.1 million malaria cases and 527 deaths last year to 7.3 million cases and 1,157 deaths between January 1 and October 20, 2024.
Unlike other species which are seasonal and prefer rural areas, stephensi thrives year-round in urban settings, breeding in man-made water storage tanks, roof gutters or even air conditioning units.
It appears to be highly resistant to insecticides, and bites earlier in the evening than other carriers. That means bed nets -- up to now the prime weapon against malaria -- may be much less effective.
"The invasion and spread of Anopheles stephensi has the potential to change the malaria landscape in Africa and reverse decades of progress we've made towards malaria control," Meera Venkatesan, malaria division chief for USAID, told AFP.
- 'More research is needed' -
The fear is that stephensi will infest dense cities like Mombasa on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast and Sudan's capital Khartoum, with one 2020 study warning it could eventually reach 126 million city-dwellers across Africa.
Only last month, Egypt was declared malaria-free by WHO after a century-long battle against the disease -- a status that could be threatened by stephensi's arrival.
Much remains unknown, however.
Stephensi was confirmed as present in Kenya in late 2022, but has so far stayed in hotter, dryer areas without reaching the high-altitude capital, Nairobi.
"We don't yet fully understand the biology and behaviour of this mosquito," Charles Mbogo, president of the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association, told AFP.
"Possibly it is climate-driven and requires high temperatures, but much more research is needed."
He called for increased funding for capturing and testing mosquitos, and for educating the public on prevention measures such as covering water receptacles.
- Multiplying threats -
The spread of stephensi could dovetail with other worrying trends, including increased evidence of drug resistant malaria recorded in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Eritrea.
"The arrival of resistance is imminent," said Dorothy Achu, WHO's head of tropical and vector-borne diseases in Africa.
WHO is working with countries to diversify treatment programmes to delay resistance, she said.
A new malaria variant is also evading tests used to diagnose the disease.
"The increased transmission that stephensi is driving could potentially help accelerate the spread of other threats, such as drug resistance or another mutation in the parasite that leads it to be less detectable by our most widely-used diagnostics," said Venkatesan at USAID.
Another added challenge is the lack of coordination between African governments.
Achu said WHO is working on "a more continental approach".
But Mbogo in Kenya said "more political will" was needed.
"We share information as scientists with colleagues in neighbouring countries," he said . "But we need to reach the higher level. We need cross-border collaborations, data-sharing."
</item>
<item>
<title>New Botswana leader eyes cannabis, sunshine to lift economy</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21559/New+Botswana+leader+eyes+cannabis%2C+sunshine+to+lift+economy</link>
<guid>21559</guid>
<category>Africa</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:56:29 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21559.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Botswana will diversify its diamond-dependent economy by launching into the medicinal cannabis market and exploiting its abundant sunshine, President Duma Boko said Tuesday, in his first state of the nation address.
Boko swept to power in elections three weeks ago that ejected the party that had ruled for nearly six decades on concerns about a slump in the economy.
Diamonds make up about 80 percent of the southern African country's foreign earnings.
"The decline in diamond revenues by over 60 percent in recent years is a clear signal that we can no longer afford to depend on a single commodity," Boko said.
His government aims to attract investors to high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and technology.
"Botswana receives more than 3,200 hours of sunlight annually and averages 21 megajoules per square metre which is among the highest in the world," Boko said.
"The potential of solar energy is abundant."
The arid country will also begin cultivating medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp to plug into the growing international market.
"Our forecast in Botswana is to significantly increase our GDP with cannabis and hemp-related products," said Boko.
"We will create jobs in this industry."
A major gripe against the previous government under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which led the country to independence from Britain in 1966, was a 27-percent unemployment rate, rising to 38 percent for young people.
Boko said other plans for job creation lay in boosting manufacturing and construction, as well as encouraging youth entrepreneurship and innovation.
Botswana has engaged US billionaire Elon Musk's satellite internet provider Starlink to extend affordable internet connectivity to the entire country, Boko said.
Starlink has plans to invest in infrastructure that will help transform Botswana into a digital hub for the entire region, he added.
Home to around 2.7 million people, Botswana won praise for a smooth change of government when the BDP was quick to concede defeat after winning just four seats in parliament on October 30, compared to 36 for Boko's Umbrella for Democratic Change.
 ]]></description>
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<title>President Ramkalawan to visit Ghana for 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I's return from exile in Seychelles</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21557/President+Ramkalawan+to+visit+Ghana+for+th+anniversary+of+King+Prempeh+I%27s+return+from+exile+in+Seychelles</link>
<guid>21557</guid>
<category>Diplomacy</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:52:24 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21557.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, is set to undertake an official visit to Ghana from November 23 to 25 at the invitation of his counterpart, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, State House said on Tuesday.
Seychelles and Ghana have historical ties back to the days of the exile of King Prempeh I of the Ashanti people to the western Indian Ocean archipelago, almost 120 years ago.
Ramkalawan's visit will coincide with Ghana's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I's return from exile in Seychelles. The late King of Ashanti was exiled to Seychelles in the early 1900s and resided there for 24 years before his return to Ghana. Some of his descendants remain in Seychelles, underscoring the enduring bonds between the two nations.
The visit of the Seychelles' head of state highlights the longstanding ties between Seychelles and Ghana, since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on October 10, 1988. ]]></description>
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<title>Seychelles' tourism department reveals process for "change of use" for residential properties to tourism ones</title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21555/Seychelles%27+tourism+department+reveals+process+for+%22change+of+use%22+for+residential+properties+to+tourism+ones</link>
<guid>21555</guid>
<category>Tourism</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:18:50 +0200</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[A top government official said on Monday that the moratorium on change-of-use applications for converting residential properties into tourism accommodations in Seychelles will be lifted on January 13 next year.
The moratorium was put in place in August 2023, and it is being lifted after a new policy was approved recently by the Cabinet of Ministers. This means that converting residential properties into tourism accommodations can now take place in line with the Department of Tourism's standards. 
The new policy will only apply to Mahe and Praslin, the two main islands of Seychelles. The moratorium for the third most populated island of La Digue will remain in replace in place. 
The principal secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis, said, "The new policy will see changes in the procedures. Before applicants had to submit their plans to the Planning Authority for change of use, but now, they will have to complete a mandatory pre-planning stage. The Department of Tourism will assess the property to ensure it is up to the required standards before plans are sent to the Planning Authority."
Applicants will have to submit their letter of intent to the Tourism Department, after which a visit will be organised with all relevant bodies present, to assess the property and provide a report. The applicants will have the report that can be used when they submit their applications to the Planning Authority.
If the application is successful, the applicant can apply for the occupancy stage, where another visit will conducted and if successful, then the process to gain a licence will then begin.
Francis explained that this change will put emphasis on higher-quality, low-impact tourism, while also streamlining the application process and ensuring collaboration with the relevant agencies.
After the recommendations from the carrying capacity studies, which show that Seychelles' accommodation products are nearly saturated, Francis stated that new change of use facilities must give significant added value to the existing tourism market.
The goal is to provide a distinctive, higher-quality guest experience through better and more responsible procedures.
"Our physical requirements remain and we will look at the location and size of the property, and minimum requirements, such as room size and safety measures. We have also included some criteria related to sustainability, to start making our operators start thinking of sustainable development when planning their development," added Francis.
According to the criteria set, a change of use to large and medium hotels must meet a minimum 4-star rating, while a change of use to small hotels, self-catering and guesthouses, must meet a minimum Seychelles Secret Gold rating.]]></description>
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<title>Lions International to establish vision hospital in Seychelles </title>
<link>http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/21553/Lions+International+to+establish+vision+hospital+in+Seychelles</link>
<guid>21553</guid>
<category>Health</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:11:37 +0200</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/media/images/2024-11/photo_verybig_21553.jpg" type="image/jpeg" />
<description><![CDATA[Lions International will work with Seychelles to establish a vision hospital among many other areas of cooperation, the district governor, Dr Moez Manji, said on Monday.
Manji made the announcement after he paid a courtesy call to Vice President Ahmed Afif at State House.
"With the expertise that we have, we will be able to mobilise grants in support of this hospital," he said.
Manji said that this will be a long process of a year or two, "depending on how fast we can set up the MoU (memorandum of understanding)."
The other area the club wants to work closely with the government on is paediatric or childhood cancer. He explained that with the hospital, they will be able to detect cancer in children early.
Lions' Clubs International is a global service organisation that works to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need.
Seychelles together with Kenya and Ethiopia falls under the 411 district - whose main areas of service to the community are vision, hunger, and the environment, among others.
Another area that the club is interested in working on is that of youth development and empowerment and Manji said, "A lot of them can slip into drug abuse, due to depression and many other challenges."
He added: "With the lifestyle of the world as it is now, is very challenging, and if we do not handle it correctly we find that we are losing a lot of the youth in the wrong manner."
As Lions International has many programmes dealing with the prevention of drug abuse, Manji explained that the Lion's Club of Seychelles is planning to donate SCR 25,000 ($1,700) as a start-up to this problem.
Meanwhile, for his first visit to Seychelles, Manji and his delegation had the chance to take part in the World Diabetes Walk, which Lions Clubs held recently, which he said was to create awareness about diabetes - which is one of their global causes - and the environment.
Lions Clubs started working in Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, nine years ago.
While expressing satisfaction at his visit and the activities held, Manji revealed that he has left certain goals the local clubs will need to achieve after he leaves.]]></description>
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